All posts tagged Jay

..is usually caused by a trouble maker, likely to be something like the Jay. This typical British woodland bird can be a bit of a thug when it comes to dealings with it’s fellow residents. The commotion and squawking accompanied by shaken falling leaves is not easy to miss, in the furore of fluttering feathers you may catch the indisputable sight of the Jay. It tries to raid their nests and they are not at all happy about it! Easy to recognise with its buff underparts and azure blue marking of its upper wings, its headgear is equally brazen with white and black marking.

It’s one of the our crow family and although not usually known for being shy with other birds they are with humans, they don’t like to hang around long in one place and will be off once they spot you, making its distinctive raucous call as it goes. Bully they may be, but beautiful as well, now thats a combination!

I enjoyed making this bird with my usual papier mache body and individually torn paper feathers. I like to get a more varied colour palette out and loved doing the striking black and white markings on it’s head, and the unusual eyes. I added a bit of extra interest with the bits of tree bits. The hand finished rustic frames I use seem to complement the theme.

This picture measures 9 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ so is one of my larger pieces and makes quite an eye catching bird artwork.

Dave has luckily managed to get a few pictures of this bird over the years, and here is one for you to enjoy.